Award-winning novelist Rusty Blackwood has announced that the ebook version of her latest novel, Before The Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster, will be available for free on September 10 and 11, 2026, at Amazon. This prequel to the thrilling Autumn Trilogy offers readers a deeper understanding of the equestrian world of professional racing, concealed secrets, and an unfaltering love that defines the series.
The novel explores the origins of Cyril Landon, a deprived young Englishman born into poverty in the village of South Wood Chester, Gloucestershire. Despite his bleak circumstances, Cyril's determination and grit drive him to seize a chance opportunity at a local farm, setting him on a path that would lead to unexpected heights. The story emphasizes that every legacy begins with a choice and that before the grandeur came the master.
In a review, Richard Prause of Readers Favorite noted, "It doesn't depend on manufactured plot twists to drive the story. Instead, it focuses on the simple, powerful moments of a man earning the trust of a stallion. It's a perceptive exploration of ambition and loyalty." Another reviewer, Asher Syed, stated, "Overall, this will be a boon for readers who are already fans of the series, and a brilliant introduction to fans-in-waiting."
Blackwood expressed her enthusiasm for the promotion: "I am pleased to offer, Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster, at no charge during this timeframe. Born into extreme poverty with little hope of survival, Cyril Landon's difficult beginnings throughout England's horrific war years, will better assist readers in understanding the difficult journey that precedes the grandeur awaiting them in The Perils of Autumn. For fans of Historical Fiction, this page-turner is a must read."
The new book is available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rusty-Blackwood/author/B0092XLBRM.
The Autumn Trilogy began with The Perils Of Autumn, which was named a finalist in the Fiction Romance category by the International Book Awards in 2019 and a finalist in the American Book Fest's 2019 awards program. The first book also received a 5-star rating from Reader's Favorite. Set primarily in the early 1970s, it centers on Autumn Leeves, a young Kentucky woman who becomes entangled with Cyril Landon, an English equestrian master, and his racing stable near Lexington, Kentucky. Their romance is plagued by those trying to stop it, but they rise above it and marry. However, peril returns when Autumn's mother dies, leaving her pregnant and fighting to avoid a miscarriage.
Reviewers have lavished praise on The Perils Of Autumn. Ray Simmons said, "Romance and good writing come together perfectly in Rusty Blackwood's 'The Perils of Autumn'. A great read." Trudi LoPreto added, "This book has it all and more. Please do not pass up 'The Perils of Autumn' - you will not be sorry."
Blackwood's previous works include the 5-star rated romantic fiction novel Willow's Walk, set in Ottawa, Canada, in 2003, which follows a woman determined to prevail at all costs. Her first romantic fiction novel, Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary, has been compared to Erich Segal's Love Story and Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook. Both books have received rave reviews and demonstrate Blackwood's versatility as an Indie author of romantic fiction, short story comedies, contemporary and traditional poetry, and children's books.
This free ebook promotion presents a valuable opportunity for readers to immerse themselves in the backstory of a beloved character and to discover the roots of a series that has garnered critical acclaim. By offering Before The Grandeur at no cost, Blackwood invites both longtime fans and new readers to experience the compelling journey that sets the stage for the grandeur of the Autumn Trilogy.
